More than half of adults over 65 take five or more medications daily. That’s not just common-it’s risky. Mixing pills, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs without checking for interactions can lead to falls, confusion, hospital stays, or worse. A medication review isn’t a routine checkup. It’s a safety check. Your doctor or pharmacist sits down with you to look at every single thing you’re taking-not just prescriptions, but vitamins, painkillers, herbal teas, and creams-and asks: Is this still helping? Is it safe?
This isn’t optional. Some clinics stop sending refills if you skip your review. Others limit your supply to a month until you show up. That’s how seriously they take this. The goal? Make sure you’re not taking something that’s doing more harm than good.
Don’t rely on memory. Write everything down. Or better yet, bring the actual bottles. A medication review isn’t complete without seeing what’s in your medicine cabinet.
Some people think, "I only take one pill for my blood pressure. Why bring the rest?" But if you’re on five meds and your doctor doesn’t know you’re also taking a sleep aid that makes you dizzy, they can’t fix the problem. Bring it all.
Just listing names isn’t enough. For each medication, include:
Use a notebook, your phone notes, or print a free template from your clinic’s website. The more complete this list is, the faster the review goes-and the better the advice you get.
What do you want out of this appointment? Be ready to say it.
Don’t wait for them to ask. If you’ve been feeling off, having trouble swallowing pills, or just feel overwhelmed, say so. Medication reviews are meant to be a conversation-not a lecture. The more you speak up, the more they can help.
They’ll ask you questions like:
Think about your answers ahead of time. If you’ve missed doses, admit it. If you’ve been skipping pills because they’re expensive or make you feel weird-tell them. They’ve heard it all. They’re not judging. They’re trying to fix it.
Ask them too:
If your review is over video or phone, you have one extra step: get your meds ready before the call.
Put everything you need on the table in front of you. Have your list open on your screen. Make sure your camera can show your pill bottles clearly. If you’re on a phone call, keep the bottles in your lap so you can hold them up when asked.
Test your tech beforehand. Download the app. Check your mic. Make sure you’re in a quiet place. If you’re having trouble hearing, say so. Don’t pretend you understood.
For people with Parkinson’s or other conditions that require precise timing, this step is even more critical. Missing a dose by 30 minutes can cause stiffness or tremors. Your pharmacist needs to see your schedule to spot gaps.
You won’t leave with a new prescription for everything. Often, the goal is to reduce what you’re taking.
Your provider might:
They’ll give you a written summary. Keep it. Show it to your family. Put it on your fridge. If you’re unsure about a change, call back before you stop or start anything.
Some clinics don’t wait. After sending three reminders, they’ll cut your prescription refills to a 30-day supply. After that? No more refills until you show up for your review.
This isn’t punishment. It’s protection. Without a review, doctors can’t know if your meds are still safe. They can’t tell if you’ve developed kidney problems, liver issues, or dangerous interactions. They’re not refusing care-they’re asking you to help keep yourself safe.
If you’re over 65, have diabetes, heart disease, or dementia, your review is even more important. You’re more likely to be on five or more drugs-and more likely to have side effects.
If you’re a caregiver, you’re the one who should go. Bring the patient’s meds, notes, and questions. If they can’t remember names or doses, you’re their voice.
Some clinics offer home visits if you can’t travel. Ask. Don’t assume you’re not eligible. You might be surprised.
Don’t wait for a letter. If you’re on five or more medications, schedule your review now. Call your doctor’s office or pharmacy. Ask: "When is my next medication review due?" If they don’t know, ask them to schedule one.
Start tonight. Gather your pills. Write down what they’re for. List any side effects. Bring it all next time. It takes 20 minutes. It could save your life.
Yes. Even if you stopped taking a pill weeks ago, bring the bottle. Your doctor needs to know what you’ve been prescribed and why you stopped. Sometimes, an old medication can still be affecting your body, or the reason you stopped might point to a bigger issue like an interaction with another drug.
You can try, but it’s risky. People often forget names, doses, or why they started a medication. A bottle has the exact name, strength, and instructions printed on it. Seeing it helps the pharmacist catch errors-like if you’re taking two different pills with the same active ingredient. Bringing the bottles cuts down on guesswork and makes the review safer.
Absolutely. One of the main goals of a medication review is to find safer, more affordable options. Pharmacists can suggest generics, patient assistance programs, or lower-cost alternatives. If cost is a problem, say so upfront. They’ve helped many people switch to medications that cost less than $5 a month.
Many reviews are done by clinical pharmacists, especially in clinics with pharmacist-led programs. Pharmacists are trained to spot drug interactions, side effects, and dosing issues. They can recommend changes, which your doctor will approve. In fact, pharmacist-led reviews often catch more problems than doctor-only visits.
At least once a year. But if you’ve recently changed medications, been hospitalized, started seeing a new specialist, or are on five or more drugs, you should have one every 6 months. If you’re feeling worse-not better-on your meds, don’t wait. Schedule it now.
That’s exactly why you’re there. Many people don’t know what their pills are for. Write down your confusion and bring it to the appointment. The provider will explain each one in simple terms and help you match the pill to its purpose. You don’t need to know it all beforehand.
Yes, and you should. Medication reviews can be overwhelming. Having someone else there helps you remember what was said, ask questions you forgot, and support you if you’re nervous. Some clinics even encourage it. Just let them know ahead of time.
Not always. Some changes happen immediately. Others need time to test safely. Your provider might say, "Let’s lower this dose for two weeks and see how you feel." Or they might say, "We’ll stop this one, but monitor you for a month." Don’t expect instant fixes. Safety comes before speed.
Yes. Medicare Part B covers medication reviews when done by a doctor or pharmacist as part of your routine care. There’s usually no extra cost. If you’re charged, ask if it’s a copay or if it’s being billed correctly. You’re entitled to this service.
You have the right to ask for more information or a second opinion. Say, "Can you explain why this change is better?" or "Can we try a different option?" Your care is a partnership. If you don’t feel heard, ask to speak with another provider. Your comfort and safety matter.
14 Responses
Bringing all your bottles-even the ones you stopped-is non-negotiable. I’ve seen patients forget they were on warfarin for three months, and it caused a dangerous interaction with a new antibiotic. Documentation saves lives.
Let’s be real-most people can’t even spell ‘pharmacokinetics,’ yet they think they know how their meds work. I’ve reviewed over 200 charts. Half the time, patients are taking two NSAIDs at once. It’s a miracle they’re still alive. And yes, I’ve seen St. John’s wort tank SSRIs. Twice. In one week.
You think ‘natural’ means safe? Garlic supplements thin your blood like aspirin. Ginkgo? Same. And don’t get me started on melatonin doses-some people take 10mg. That’s not sleep aid, that’s hallucinogen.
And if you’re on Medicare, don’t assume the pharmacy’s ‘free’ program isn’t a trap. Always ask for the formulary. Always. I’ve had patients pay $800 for a drug that had a $3 generic. I’m not judging-I’m just the guy who fixes your mistakes after you’ve been to three ERs.
And yes, your ‘harmless’ herbal tea? It’s probably CYP3A4 inhibiting your clopidogrel. You didn’t know that? Then you shouldn’t be self-prescribing. Bring the bottle. Read the label. Or don’t. But don’t blame the doctor when you’re in the ICU.
Also, telehealth? If your camera’s blurry and you can’t hold up the bottle, you’re wasting everyone’s time. I’ve had patients try to describe pills as ‘the blue one with the weird line.’ No. Just no.
And if you think your pharmacist is just a ‘drug dispenser,’ you’re wrong. They’re clinical pharmacists. They have doctorates. They’re trained to catch interactions you didn’t even know existed. Stop treating them like a vending machine.
And for the love of God, if you’re over 65 and on five meds, you don’t get to say ‘I’ll remember.’ You’re not 30 anymore. Write it down. Use an app. Put sticky notes on your mirror. Your brain is not a pharmacy.
And if you skip your review? They cut your script. That’s not cruelty. That’s liability. If you die from a drug interaction they didn’t know about? They get sued. You think they want that? No. They want you alive. So stop being lazy.
And yes, I’ve seen people take a pill for ‘memory’ that was actually for Parkinson’s. They didn’t even know. That’s why you bring the bottle. Not your ‘memory.’ The bottle.
And if you think your ‘natural’ supplement isn’t regulated? It’s not. FDA doesn’t review turmeric capsules. That’s why you need a professional. Not Google. Not your cousin who ‘read an article.’
And if you’re on Medicare, you’re entitled to this. No copay. No hidden fee. If they charge you, file a complaint. I’ve filed 17. All were upheld.
And if you’re a caregiver? Good. You’re the only one who knows what’s really happening. Your mom says she’s fine? She’s not. She’s confused because of the benzos. Bring the bottles. I’ll wait.
And if you think ‘I’ll just stop it if I feel weird’? That’s how you end up in a psych ward. You don’t titrate antihypertensives yourself. You don’t. Ever.
Bring. The. Bottles.
This is such a vital guide-I wish everyone could read it. I’ve seen too many seniors stressed out over meds they don’t even understand. Just taking 20 minutes to gather your bottles and write down what they’re for? That’s self-care in its purest form. You’re not just protecting your body-you’re reclaiming control. And that’s powerful.
Even if you feel overwhelmed, just start with one pill. Write down what it’s for. Then the next. Slowly, it becomes manageable. And when you walk into that appointment with your list? You’re not a patient-you’re a partner. And that changes everything.
You’ve got this. And if you need help? Ask. Someone’s always willing to sit with you and sort through the bottles. You’re not alone.
You’re NOT supposed to take that many pills!!!
And you’re NOT supposed to take herbal stuff with real medicine!!!
And you’re NOT supposed to forget what you’re taking!!!
Why is this even a question???!!!
📊 Data point: 78% of medication-related hospitalizations in adults over 65 are due to polypharmacy errors-92% of which are preventable with a structured review. 📊
🧬 Pharmacogenomics is now mainstream. Your CYP2D6 status affects how you metabolize 25% of common prescriptions. If your doctor doesn’t know this, they’re practicing in 2005.
💡 Pro tip: Use a pill organizer with alarms. Not just any one-get one synced to your phone via Bluetooth. I use MedMinder. It texts your family if you miss a dose. I’ve saved three lives this way.
🚨 Also: Never, ever mix NSAIDs with SSRIs. Increased bleeding risk. Google it. You’ll see. I’ve seen three GI bleeds from this alone.
📉 And yes, reducing meds often improves cognition. Not just because of interactions-but because polypharmacy causes cognitive load. Your brain is literally overloaded.
📞 If you’re on Medicare, ask for a Medication Therapy Management (MTM) session. It’s covered. No copay. No excuse.
🧠 And if you’re confused? That’s not your fault. The system is designed to overwhelm. But you’re not powerless. You have rights. Use them.
I love this guide. Seriously. I helped my mom prepare for hers last month. We sat at the kitchen table, laid out every bottle, wrote down what each one was for, and even noted when she skipped doses because of the cost. We went in with a list. She didn’t leave with a single new prescription-she left with THREE removed.
One was a statin she’d been on for 10 years but never needed. Another was a sleep aid that made her fall. And the third? A cheap generic replaced a $300 brand-name pill.
She cried. Not because she was scared-but because she finally felt heard. That’s what this is about. Not just safety. Dignity.
If you’re reading this and you’re on five or more meds? Do this. Tonight. Don’t wait for a letter. Don’t wait to feel ‘ready.’ You’re ready. You’ve always been ready.
And if you’re scared? Bring someone. Bring a friend. Bring a grandkid. They’ll help you hold the bottles. And you’ll feel less alone.
You’ve got this. And you deserve to feel good-not just alive.
I’ve been doing this for 12 years. My mom’s on 11 meds. I’ve watched her forget what she’s taking. I’ve watched her cry because she couldn’t afford them. I’ve watched her get dizzy from interactions she didn’t know existed.
I’ve also watched her get better. Not because of new drugs-but because we removed three that were doing nothing but hurting her.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being honest. With yourself. With your doctor. With the pills.
I don’t care if you’re 65 or 85. If you’re taking more than five, you’re playing Russian roulette with your brain, your kidneys, your heart.
Bring the bottles. Write it down. Say it out loud.
It’s not a chore. It’s your lifeline.
In my culture, elders are revered-but their health is often ignored because we don’t want to ‘bother’ them. But this guide flips that. It says: Your voice matters. Your experience matters. Your bottles matter.
I brought my grandmother’s meds to her review. She couldn’t remember names, but she remembered the taste of the blue pill. That’s how we found out she was taking two different versions of the same drug.
It wasn’t about being ‘correct.’ It was about being present.
And you know what? The pharmacist cried. She said she’d never seen a family show up like that before.
Bring your grandma. Bring your aunt. Bring your cousin. Bring your story. They’ll listen.
Preparation is the quiet act of self-respect.
Writing down what you take isn’t a chore-it’s a declaration that your health is worth your time.
Bringing the bottles isn’t about obedience-it’s about clarity.
Asking questions isn’t being difficult-it’s being responsible.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to show up.
And showing up-with your list, your bottles, your honesty-is the most powerful thing you can do.
Why is this even a thing? Can’t we just trust our doctors?
Most people who do this are just trying to feel in control because they're too lazy to actually manage their health
Bring the bottles? Yeah right. I bet 80% of them don't even know what half the pills are for
It's a performative ritual for people who want to look responsible without doing the hard work of changing their lifestyle
And don't get me started on herbal crap
It's all just anxiety dressed up as health
Why does the US make this so complicated? In Canada, pharmacists just call you and ask if you're still taking the pills. Done. No bottles. No lists. No drama. You people overcomplicate everything.
I’ve been thinking about this for weeks. Not just the mechanics-what it means to be a person who takes so many pills. It’s not just about safety. It’s about identity. You become your medication list. You start to define yourself by the side effects: ‘I’m the one who gets dizzy.’ ‘I’m the one who can’t sleep.’ ‘I’m the one who can’t afford the blue pill.’
And then you go to the review. And someone looks at you-not your list-and says, ‘Tell me how you feel.’
And for the first time in years, you’re not a diagnosis. You’re not a chart. You’re not a cost center.
You’re just… you.
That’s why bringing the bottles matters. Not because it’s protocol. But because it’s the first step in reclaiming your story.
It’s not about pills. It’s about being seen.
And if you’re reading this and you’re scared to go? I get it. I’ve been there. But the person on the other side of that table? They’ve seen it all. They’ve held the hands of people who didn’t know what they were taking. They’ve cried with families who didn’t know how to ask.
You’re not a burden. You’re a human. And you deserve to feel safe.
Bring the bottles. Write it down. Say it out loud.
And then-breathe.
Wow. Jennifer Shannon just nailed it. I’ve been saying this for years-this isn’t about compliance. It’s about humanity. And I’ve been called a ‘control freak’ for insisting on bottle reviews. But you know what? I’d rather be called a freak than bury someone because I didn’t ask for the bottle.
Thank you for saying that.